An efficient synthesis of bis(calix[4]arenes) bis(crown ether)-substitutedcalix[4]arenes, aza-crown calix[4]arenes, and thiaza-crown calix[4]arenes

The easy transformation of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(aminoethox y)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (2) into 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-26,28- dihydroxy-25,27-bis(2-iso-thiocyanoethoxy)calix[4]arene (3) and 5,11,17,23- tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(chloroacetamidoethoxy)-26 calix[4]arene (4) has been exploited for the development of an efficient and expeditious synthesi s of a variety of calix[4]arene derivatives [bis(calix[4]arenes), bis(crown ether) calix[4]arenes, aza-crown calix[4]arenes, and thiaza-crown calix[4] arenes]. The functionality of compounds 2 and 3 allowed the formation of in tramolecular bridges, leading to capped calix[4]arenes (compounds 5, 10, an d 14) as well as to the construction of double calix[4]arene units by means of spacers containing thiourea or amide-sulfur groups (compounds 6 and 15, respectively). In addition, the bis(isothiocyanate) derivative 3 gave acce ss to a high-yield preparation of heteroditopic bis(crown ether) calix[4]ar enes (7-9) from commercial amino crown ethers.